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Australian watchdog tackles Apple over iPad's 4G status

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has confronted Apple over its new iPad, in particular its ability to connect to 4G networks.

The problem is that the device’s 4G capability is limited to the 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands, while both Telstra’s 4G network and the Optus 4G offering due to launch next month are in the 1800MHz range.

As in New Zealand, the Australian government will be auctioning the 700MHz band in a ‘digital dividend’ re-allocation in the next few years. Until that time, Australasian users will be limited to using their devices on 3G networks.

According to The Australian, Apple has agreed to refund customers who purchased a new iPad believing it would run on the Telstra 4G network, although a lawyer for the company, Paul Anastassiou, said Apple has never indicated the device would do so.

"No such representation in our submission is conveyed by the use of the acronym 4G in the name of the device,’ Anastassiou says.

"Prior to the launch of the product there was significant press pointing out that the device is not compatible with the Telstra 4G LTE network.”

One report has indicated that New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has also received a complaint about the device, although the organisation is awaiting the outcome of the Australian complaint before deciding on appropriate action.